Albuquerque Public Schools has been awarded a 4-year grant from the Federal Safe Schools/Healthy Students Initiative (SS/HS) to reduce youth violence, increase mental health services, and create a safe environment for children in Albuquerque schools.

The purpose of this grant is to link and integrate existing and new services and activities into a comprehensive community-wide plan for change that will create safer schools and promote healthy childhood development.

Building on the Initiative's collaborative framework, we are bringing together students, educators, mental health agencies, local law enforcement and community organizations to talk about solutions to youth violence and school safety.

Programs and Services:

The SS/HS Initiative promote mental health and prevent violence in youth by using evidence-based programs with demonstrated long-term positive effects. Local programs include:Positive behavioral Support (PBS): Training and coaching will be provided to 32 schools to improve school climate and academic outcomes.

Project Success/Crossroad: Six (6) Counselors will provide services to high-risk students in high schools to prevent/reduce substance abuse and reduce truancy.

Project Alert: Substance abuse prevention classes will be provided for students in 24 middle schools.

Epstein Family Engagement Model: Seven (7) Family Liasion Specialists will provide training, coordination and coaching in parent and community involvement strategies in 14 schools each year.

Parents as Teachers/Nurtured Heart: APS and City of Albuquerque will facilitate training to early childhood staff to increase evidenced-based home visitation services.

Gang Resistance Education Awareness Training (G.R.E.A.T.) G.R.E.A.T. is a prevention program for middle school students implemented by the Albuquerque Police Department. Police officers teach an anti-gang curriculum to students at target HISD middle schools. The goal of G.R.E.A.T. is to prevent youth crime, violence, and gang involvement while developing a positive relationship among law enforcement, families and young people to create safer communities.

The YDI Gang Intervention/Prevention Program is designed to work with youth who are directly involved with gangs or at-risk for gang involvement. The purpose of our program is to use innovative approaches in developing programs that teach youth alternatives to violence, substance abuse, anger issues, low self-esteem, and consequences as a result of making negative chioices. Throughout the program we promote non-violence, team building, leadership development and communication skills. We strive to provide a neutral and positive setting where young people are able to come together from different gangs throughout the city to work on issues/programs together. Specialized Programs include: (based on funding) 10 Week Leadership Program, "Street Voice", Innovative Focus Groups, GANAS Support Group, POWER Project.

Youth referred to the program will meet with the Gang Program Personnel who will complete a formal Intake-Assessment with the youth and family. Together, a Program Contract/Service Plan will be developed based on the individual needs of the youth/family. If the youth is on probation/parole all requirements of the courts will be incorporated into their contract. Services offered are case management, mediation, innovative focus groups, presentations, collaboration with other youth service organizations, and attendance at court hearings. Also on Tuesday, UKEEight. They also have therapists.For more information:

Most people don't want to admit that gangs and violence exist in our home towns and sometime in our own families. If we don't educate ourselves you on what's going on we can't help our sons, daughters and friends. Talking about the problem is the the first step to fixing it. If not, we know one group that will listen to your children - gang members.Read more >>